Dolly Parton 'so sad' to have lost ‘my special friend’ Dame Olivia Newton-John

msn.com:

Dolly Parton has paid tribute to her close friend Dame Olivia Newton-John following her death aged 73. The musician, 76, and Grease star were friends for decades, each holding a passion and talent for music: in 1976, Dame Olivia even covered Parton’s classic hit Jolene, which she included in her seventh studio album Come On Over.

Dame Olivia died ‘peacefully’ at her ranch in southern California on Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends, her widower confirmed this week.

Parton is among the millions around the world who have been crushed by Dame Olivia’s death, and has now joined her friends, family and colleagues in paying tribute to the star.

While her cause of death has not been confirmed, the actress had lived with breast cancer for the last 30 years, with her husband describing her as a ‘symbol of triumphs and hope. ’Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, Dolly said she was ‘so sad,’ going on to describe Dame Olivia as her ‘special friend. ’The US country legend wrote: ‘So sad to have lost my special friend Olivia Newton-John. ‘So happy that our lives crossed paths. ’She went on to say that Dame Olivia’s ‘voice is singing beautifully with the angels. ’Fans of Parton flocked to the comment section to offer their condolences, with one writing: ‘Sorry for the loss of your lovely friend Dolly, we will all miss her. ‘Long live Sandra D,’ they added.